New Orleans Saints players volunteer for LA/SPCA in Algiers

New Orleans Saints kicker Thomas Morstead, defensive end Jeff Charleston, center Brian de la Puente, and center Matthew Tennant have been active volunteers at the Louisiana SPCA in Algiers since they completed the volunteer orientation program last fall. In addition to their shelter volunteer time, the saintly Charleston and Morstead were part of this spring’s Dog Day Afternoon walk and festival in City Park, a fundraiser for the Louisiana SPCA.

New Orleans Saint Jeff Charleston served as celebrity emcee during the Dog Day Afternoon fundraiser for the Louisiana SPCA. He is also an SPCA volunteer.

Charleston was celebrity host, entertaining the crowd throughout the day during the canine contests. He also escorted adoptable rescue dog Sasha in the Gatsby Strut dog walk. Morstead joined Charleston at the Dog Day Afternoon. Morstead brought his own dog, the very cute Bella, who enjoyed the day at the park. Both Saints players happily mingled with fans and posed for photos during the festival.

Another New Orleans Saints player, Mark Ingram, attended a Louisiana SPCA celebrity adoption event in March, where he signed autographs and posed for photos with Saints fans, which included staff members.

During this event at the Algiers shelter, Ingram also presented Louisiana SPCA CEO Ana Zorrilla with a check for $5,000 for the first Fidophram “Pet Trust” to provide heartworm protection for needy dogs.

A popular figure at both of these events was Gumbo, the costumed St. Bernard dog mascot for the Saints football team. Gumbo gets around town a lot. He can be spotted at many community events including those for New Orleans area animal welfare organizations.

Volunteers are always needed at the Louisiana SPCA. Visit www.la-spca.org/volunteer for more information or to apply.

On May 17, a Toasts and Wagging Tails party, which will include a canine costume contest with a “School’s (Almost) Out” theme, will be held at NO FLeas Market, 4228 Magazine St., New Orleans, 6 to 8 p.m.

The $5 donation to the Louisiana SPCA includes drinks, snacks and dog treats. Also, 10 percent will be taken off NO Fleas prices during the event. Friendly, leashed pets welcome.

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On May 19, an Louisiana SPCA Adoption Option with a variety of available pets will be held at Fetch! Mid City 3536 Toulouse St., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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A Fun As Folk Painting Party, hosted by and benefiting Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), is planned for May 31 at the PAWS shelter, 455 F. Edward Hebert, Belle Chasse.

You do not have to be an artist to paint and take home your very own animal artwork from this event. And you certainly do not have to have a talent for drawing. The images are pre-drawn and ready for painting when you arrive at the party. It will be a very low-pressure event.

It’s a party, not a class.

Choose to paint the pre-drawn image of either a Who-Dat-Mation (a Dalmatian with a fleur de lis spot) or a New Orleans Watermeter Cat (who holds the iconic local cover).

All materials are provided including an 18-by-12-inch wood canvas already sketched with the chosen design. Registration is required. The cost is $30.

For details and/or to register, visit funasfolk.webs.com or call 501.330.0846.

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The Visiting Pet Program is holding a volunteer orientation for interested pet-owners on June 16 at the Harahan Senior Center, 100 Elodie, Harahan, from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10. Registration is required; email paws4visitsw@gmail.com. The meeting is for people only. Visit visitingpetprogram.org for more information.

This is the oldest and largest animal-assisted therapy program in New Orleans, with about 100 pets who visit 20 hospitals and nursing homes in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes. Visiting Pets include dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits.

The group also provides the Reading to Rover program at area libraries. The literacy project helps young readers practice by reading aloud to gentle therapy dogs.

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The Humane Society of Louisiana announced that it now accepts donations of used vehicles (cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, etc.) via the Boat Yard, 6640 West Bank Expressway, Harvey, which will store and help sell donated vehicles. Proceeds will support the society’s no-kill shelter. For information on donating, call 1-888-6-humane.

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Ann Nungesser is a Belle Chasse resident who writes about animal issues. She can be reached at 504.912.0926 or by sending an email to animaladviser@gmail.com.